Adults fall into one of eight walking personalities, including the ‘Social Stroller’ and the ‘Slouch’.

A study revealed other common personas as the ‘Fashion-over-Function’ walker who wears bright white trainers to a boggy field, and the ‘Overprepared’ one who thinks of everything, including a flask of coffee and a first aid kit.

Illustration of four people walking outdoors, dressed in winter gear.Take the quiz too see what walker you areCredit: SWNS Older couple walking outdoors together on path in mountains. Copyright: Getty Images - Getty39 per cent said they enjoyed a walk in the woods

Just under a fifth (18 per cent) described themselves as a ‘Scenic Snapper’ who will regularly pause the walk to take a photo of something that catches their eye.

The poll of 2,000 winter-walking adults who celebrate Christmas found the typical respondent will go on around six walks over the yuletide period, with 61 per cent ‘needing to’ in order to work off a surfeit of festive food.

It also revealed the most spectacular Christmas walks in the UK include the Lake District trails and Snowdonia National Park

With the Cornish coastal paths, Peak District routes and Arthur’s Seat in also popular as hikes to take if it were a perfect winter’s day.

A spokesperson for Regatta, which commissioned the research, said: “Walking is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the outdoors, especially over Christmas.

“Those fresh days, whether bright and crisp or a bit drizzly, give us a chance to slow down, stretch our legs and clear our heads.

“It’s often the little moments outside that make the festive season feel even more special.”

The study went on to find for those taking them, the ideal walk would include views of a river or lake (41 per cent), followed by a romp through the woods (39 per cent).

They’d last for exactly 3.2 miles on average, and ideally end in a local pub.
Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of festive strollers crave the fresh air, while 63 per cent enjoy the exercise.

But 49 per cent like going on them simply to get out of the house for a while, and 38 per cent see them as a good way of spending time with family.

Nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) even admitted they like a walk in ‘harsher’ winter conditions, like rain, frost or .

But top pet peeves were dog poo left on paths and trails (45 per cent), muddy paths (37 per cent) and overly crowded routes (30 per cent), according to the OnePoll.com figures.

And while 24 per cent plan their festive walking routes out in advance, 39 per cent simply head out and see where they end up.

Overall, 61 per cent say they are an important part of their Christmas tradition, but 58 per cent cited bad weather as their biggest worry when planning a festive plod.

Elterwater reflecting The Langdale Pikes in the English Lake District.The Lake District National Park was one of the most spectacular festive walksCredit: Getty

With waterproof jackets and thermal socks (both 26 per cent) and handwarmers (20 per cent) all topping the list of accessories walkers most want to find under the tree this year.

The spokesperson for Regatta said: “You don’t need to plan the perfect route or have loads of gear to enjoy a winter walk.

“Most of us simply head out and see where we end up – that’s part of the charm.

“But the British weather does like to keep us on our toes, especially at Christmas.

“Even if you set off in bright sunshine, the rain can roll in quickly, so having the right waterproof or footwear can make all the difference.”

THE EIGHT WALKING PERSONALITIES:

  1. The Scenic Snapper – You pause often to take pictures of nature, scenery, or anything that catches your eye.
  2. The Social Stroller – You treat walks as a chance to catch-up with others, chatting throughout and not paying much attention to the route.
  3. The Competitive Step Counter – You’re focused on hitting your step goal, checking your fitness tracker regularly.
  4. The Front Runner – You always walk ahead, setting the pace for others.
  5. The Slouch – You take your time, not focused on the surroundings.
  6. The Overprepared Walker – You bring everything from a flask to a first aid kit, ready for anything.
  7. The Fashion over Function Walker – You show up in spotless shoes and no waterproofs.
  8. The Gear Guru – You arrive in the latest hiking gear and gadgets
Middle-aged woman hiking in the mountains next to the Mediterranean Sea.24 per cent plan their festive walking routes out in advanceCredit: Getty

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!